6 Camper‑Van Hacks to Conquer Summer Heat & Mosquitoes

I Almost Cancelled the Trip…

When the forecast for Greece screamed 41 °C plus a mosquito invasion, I pictured a sleepless sauna on wheels and seriously thought about staying in Switzerland. But curiosity won. We drove 3,200 km through the Balkans, and—surprise—most nights were cool enough for a blanket and almost zero bites. Here’s what actually worked, written while the memory (and a faint citronella smell) is still fresh.

1. Dump Hot Air WhileYou Roll In

In the last minute before parking, crack the two cab windows and whatever vents you have in the back. Hot air shoots out like a chimney while the van is still moving. Small trick, big difference.

2. The 3‑Minute A/C “Pre‑Chill”

Once you’ve stopped, close every door, crank the vehicle A/C to max, and give it three minutes. No, it won’t turn the van into a fridge, but it will:

• knock down humidity, and

• keep you from sweating bullets while you flip the interior from “drive” to “live.”

3. Shade First, Gadgets Second

• Find a north‑facing tree line, cliff or even a big delivery truck you can legally park beside.

• Pull your reflective curtains the moment you shut the engine off. Radiant heat is the silent killer of cool vibes.

If the spot you found has no shadow to offer, try to create some also if you don’t see the results immediately, the awning can help your van stay cooler in the morning by not allowing the sun to wam up your vehicle immediately.

4. Mozzie Nets That Actually Work

I used to hate mosquito nets because—guess what—mosquitoes still got in. The fix: spray repellent on the net itself, especially the corners. The fabric becomes a chemical force field, and we woke up bite‑free even on marshy Greek coastlines

5. Go High, Sleep Low (Temp‑Wise)

Every 100 m of elevation drops the night‑time temp by roughly 0.6 °C. Climbing 600 m cost us an extra litre of diesel but turned a sticky 28 °C night into a breezy 24 °C. Bonus: fewer neighbours, more stars.

6. Remember—Hotels Aren’t Defeat

If one night is just too hot and sticky, grab a cheap Airbnb. You’ll sleep, shower, maybe explore an old town you’d never fit the van into. A well‑rested driver is worth more than any “I never left the van” badge.